Enolase 2

Enolase 2 (ENO2), also known as neuron-specific enolase (NSE), is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ENO2 gene. This enzyme is a member of the enolase family and is involved in the glycolysis pathway.

Function

Enolase 2 is a glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate. It is predominantly found in neurons and neuroendocrine cells, making it a useful marker for neuroendocrine tumors and neuroblastoma.

Clinical Significance

Enolase 2 is used as a biomarker in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain types of cancer, particularly small cell lung carcinoma and neuroblastoma. Elevated levels of NSE in the blood can indicate the presence of these tumors and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Structure

The ENO2 gene is located on chromosome 12 in humans. The enzyme itself is a dimer composed of two identical subunits. Each subunit has a molecular weight of approximately 47 kDa.

Expression

Enolase 2 is specifically expressed in neuronal tissue and neuroendocrine cells. Its expression is regulated by various factors, including hypoxia and neural differentiation.

Related Enzymes

Enolase 2 is one of three enolase isoenzymes found in mammals, the others being Enolase 1 (alpha enolase) and Enolase 3 (beta enolase). Each isoenzyme has a distinct tissue distribution and function.

Research Applications

Due to its specific expression in neurons, Enolase 2 is widely used in neuroscience research as a marker for neuronal cells. It is also used in studies investigating the metabolic pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases.

See Also

• Glycolysis
• Neuroendocrine tumor
• Neuroblastoma
• Small cell lung carcinoma
• Biomarker